Myth: Mesothelioma Treatment is Unaffordable or Unobtainable

Is mesothelioma treatment out of reach for most people?

While it is true that cancer treatment can be costly, there are a number of options available to help pay the expenses associated with treatment ranging from insurance to help from certain nonprofits.

It’s also important to know that if you file a claim against the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure, your medical expenses will be part of the claim in addition to damages for your pain and suffering. It’s a myth, however, that treatment for your

It’s a myth, however, that treatment for your mesothelioma is either unaffordable or unobtainable.

Mesothelioma treatment costs vary by patient

Mesothelioma can differ greatly from patient to patient. Treatment options will vary as will costs of treatment. For those with medical insurance, you will need to speak to your insurer about what they will cover and what your out of pocket costs will be.

Those with Medicare may need supplemental coverage to help with treatment beyond the coverage provided. In addition to costs of treatment, there may be other expenses such as travel (if required) and missed time from work if you are still employed.

VA insurance for mesothelioma treatment

If you are retired from the military – a high risk industry for mesothelioma – you may be able to obtain mesothelioma treatment at a VA hospital or medical center. Veterans account for roughly one-third of mesothelioma cases and so the Veteran’s Administration may be important to your treatment.

There are VA medical treatment facilities in every state and many states have more than one facility. These are also located in Washington, DC and certain US territories.

Costs of different mesothelioma treatments

The three primary treatments used in mesothelioma are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Some patients may also qualify for clinical trials. Cost of these treatments will differ on a per patient basis and not all treatments are appropriate for every mesothelioma patient.

Surgery – Surgery for cancer treatment on the lungs, for instance, averages about $40,000 but so long as you have insurance, this should not be a purely out of pocket cost. Typically, patients with insurance pay a co-pay (flat fee for a service) or coinsurance (a percentage fee).

Chemotherapy – Chemo treatment can range from $7,000 for a single treatment to roughly $30,000 for a series of treatments. What stage the cancer is in and which chemotherapy drugs are prescribed will affect the cost. A co-pay or coinsurance may apply to this treatment.

Radiation – Radiation treatments are also costly and can come with costs that range widely from $2,000 per month of treatment up to $50,000 for a longer series of treatments over a period of time. These treatments usually result in out-of-pocket costs that can vary widely.

Clinical Trials – Clinical trials are usually free to participants, but may not be available in your area. In order to participate in a trial, you may have to cover transportation and lodging costs as a condition of enrollment in the trial. These costs can quickly add up to a significant expense.

Paying for your mesothelioma treatment

While there are many options to cover the costs of treatment, one option to consider is pursuing a claim against those responsible for your asbestos exposure that caused your mesothelioma. A compensation claim will typically seek reimbursement of the costs of your treatment, including any travel and out-of-pocket costs, lost income, and damages for your pain and suffering.

Statutes of limitation apply – consider filing a claim now

Because cancer treatment can be tiring in addition to costly, you may want to wait until your treatment is complete until you think about a lawsuit. However, we caution you not to wait.

If you do not file a claim promptly and the statute of limitation expire, you may be shut out of ever pursuing compensation for your expenses and damages. Contact Bergman Draper Oslund at (888) 647-6007 for a free case evaluation today.

We fight every day for the rights of asbestos exposure victims who have been diagnoses with mesothelioma and have won more than $700 million for our clients.